Dave Brubeck Quartet
9.15.09 | The Fox Theater

I just saw a living legend tonight. I sat up in the very center of the top row at the Fox Theater, Seat 26 Row V and looked directly down at the iconic Dave Brubeck. He has aged with charm and wisdom while still playing the piano with perfect timing and graceful movements. The moment he took the stage he was applauded and received a standing ovation before they even started to play.

The Fox was near Sold Out as we all sat like church mice taking in what was happening on stage. The Dave Brubeck Quartet filled the room with elegant jazz pieces and wonderful solo’s. A simple piano, stand up bass, drums, flute, and saxophone created harmonious music tempting you to get up and dance while filling your ears and mind with smooth compositions.

Brubeck noted that Duke Ellington gave him his start and opened up the evening with “…a little Duke.”

It was a respectful concert you clapped, were quite, and didn’t get up out of your seat until a song was completed. Everyone understood the importance of the night. The Dave Brubeck Quartet was the first concert in the Fox’s Fall Season and it was a grand way to begin things. I am very thankful to be able to go tonight and if I were a pianist I would inspire to be the one and only Dave Brubeck.

Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com

Trucker's Take

Seeing Dave Brubeck live in concert was one of the most important shows that I have ever (or will ever) seen. Dave Brubeck, who turns 89 this year thrilled Spokane with his laid back "cool jazz” style.

Punk and New Wave was all the rage in the early 80's when I happened to stumble on to a copy of "Take Five" at a garage sale. From there i was hooked. Songs such as "Blue Rondo a La Turk" "Pick Up Sticks"  “Unsquare Dance" and the aforementioned "Take Five" were so damn cool and hip that it made the pop music of the day seem like total crap.

Take Five was recorded in the late 50's but still to this day remains as fresh and relevant as ever. What is also so cool about this music is that it sounds so effortless and improvised but, when you really start listening you'll discover just how complex and brilliant this music really is.

Brubeck used crazy time signatures, melodies, and themes to get his musical point across and when the quartet hit the stage it was complete and total magic.

Check out more photos from the show here!

TruckerDave@checkitoutmusic.com